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Irritable Bowel Syndrome
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Posted 8/20/2007 9:16 AM (GMT -7)
I been wondering... Since my bowel habits changed and I've had lots of doctors saying I have IBS, I never had a regular bowel movement. I try to take more fibres, but maybe I don't take enough. And thing is I'm ALWAYS constipated, and when it comes out it comes out in slim chunks with mucus (Sometimes it comes out in a big bunch of tiny bits.)

I don't remember the last time I had a slightly regular bowel movement without laxatives. It was at least months ago (and I'm STILL waiting on my short colonoscopy!!! Slow health system...)... So I wonder, is it forever going to remain that way or do you guys think there is something sinister in all of this like a laxative dependency or some horrible disease?
Posted 8/20/2007 9:46 AM (GMT -7)
Hi ThyGoddess,

That's a very tough question to answer because not everyone is the same. Some people actually do get over IBS even though there is no "cure" for IBS. Some people have changes in their symptoms and some stay the same for many many years. I used to be strictly diarrhea prominant (my IBS started in 1989) but I have since changed to constipation prominant. Your concern for laxative dependency is very real and long term laxative use can be very dangerous (especially stimulant laxatives). Have you tried Miralax? Its not a stimulant laxative but rather an osmotic laxative that pulls water into the bowel to allow the passing of waste in your colon. I take this everyday for a few years now and that with my diet change has done wonders for me. I also take fiber supplements that have helped well. You need to drink a lot of water with fiber though because fiber can backfire and cause constipation if not. It does bulk your stool. Eating fruits helps a lot too. I hope you can get your scope soon, I'm sorry your wait is so long. Please let us know how it goes.

Take Care
Posted 8/20/2007 10:14 AM (GMT -7)
I don't believe I've ever seen some Miralax around here but I'll go ahead and see for it at another drugstore... There's no dependency for that thing? What I'm taking right now is Magnesia milk... I take it about once or sometimes twice weekly since a while. Is it dangerous?

As for the fibers I usually take two teaspoonfuls of Benefibre a day into a big bottle of water (It's a gatorade bottle)... I dun't know if that's enough water for that quantity?
Posted 8/20/2007 3:06 PM (GMT -7)
What is a short colonscopy? do you mean a sigmoidoscopy? If that is what you mean then I would insist on getting the full colonscopy as with your problem you really need the full one. The other doesn't even begin to go past the first curve. Miralax has not been available all the long over the counter but they seem to have displays everywhere now. By chance are you taking calcium as that can cause constipation? as can cheese. I would not wait all that time for an incomplete test since you are having real problems and a sigmoid will really not tell you very much.
Posted 8/20/2007 3:53 PM (GMT -7)
Yea I think it means a sigmoidoscopy. In french they just write it as "short colonoscopy"

Unfortunately I don't have the privilege to ask my doctor for what to do. I'm 23 years old, so they most likely don't judge it necessary to have a full check. They also usually don't allow you to question them around here. And nope, no calcium, though I do enjoy some cheese here and then. But It's not as if I eat some all the time.

Plus, I been waiting so long for the sig, imagine how long I would've waited for a full. I should be glad they decide to shove anything there at all.
Posted 8/20/2007 5:17 PM (GMT -7)
My Gastroenterologist says there is no cure for IBS.
Posted 8/20/2007 5:51 PM (GMT -7)
Reagardless of what country you live in they can't stop you from asking questiongs. It is unlikely that you probably need the colonoscopy but rather do have IBS but as someone mentioned it is a "rule out everything else" type of disease . If they can't find anything visably wrong then it is functional and called IBS. I don't think there is a cure but it can be controlled to some extent and people have to settle for that, I guess.
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